Remote Monitoring of Implanted Devices reduced Time Between Onset of Events, Clinical Decision-Making

By Cardiology Today

A wireless remote monitoring and notification system based on cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators and implantable cardioverter defibrillators cut the time from onset of events to clinical decisions in response to arrhythmias, CVD progression and device issues by nearly two-thirds, as compared with standard in-office care.

The CONNECT study compared standard in-office care with a wireless telemetry system in 1,997 patients implanted with an ICD or cardiac resynchronization defibrillator. Patients assigned to remote monitoring received a home monitor capable of receiving a wireless telemetry system from the implanted device and automatically transmitting diagnostic information to the office over the phone, including routine scheduled information and alerts, requiring no patient action (n=1,014; 70.5% men; mean age, 65.2 years). These patients were seen in the office one month and 15 months after device implantation only. Patients assigned to standard care were followed-up in the office on a fixed schedule, typically every three to six months, and received no remote monitoring (n=983; 71.7% men; mean age, 64.9 years).

Remote monitoring decreased the time from between onset of events to clinical decision making, a mean 10.5 days compared with 29.5 days with standard in-office care.

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